Honestly, I think this is a pretty exciting move by Nepal. Everest has become so overcrowded and commercialized that it’s lost a lot of its original appeal for me not to mention the safety and environmental concerns. The idea of exploring remote, untouched peaks in Karnali or Sudurpaschim sounds way more appealing, especially if you’re after a real sense of adventure.
Of course, the big question is infrastructure. Waiving the climbing fee is great, but if the trails are hard to reach and support is limited, it might be a tough sell for less-experienced climbers. Still, for seasoned trekkers looking for solitude, culture, and raw Himalayan beauty, this could be the perfect alternative. I’d seriously consider skipping Everest and heading west instead.
Anyone else tempted to go off the beaten path?
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